Graduate Diploma in Asian and Global History
Candidates pursuing the programme will study the history of diverse cultures and societies across Asia and the world. They will also acquire in-depth knowledge of Singaporean history and understand the dynamic narratives that shape the nation-state’s national identity. The broad mix of courses will help to hone graduates’ cross-cultural empathies and tolerance for difference, enabling them to thrive in different cultural settings.
For candidates who hold the MA in Applied and Public History and wish to obtain a Graduate Diploma in Asian and Global History, click here for more information on graduation requirements and transferring of units.
Admission Criteria
Applicants for the Graduate Diploma coursework programme should have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines such as history and area studies, and disciplinary or interdisciplinary academic programmes in the humanities and social sciences that give the major a measure of competence in historical subject matters; or Bachelor’s degree with a relevant Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- At least two years of relevant work experience.
- Candidates with other qualifications and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the BGS.
- Applicants whose native tongue and medium of University instruction is not English must complete the TOEFL or IELTS and obtain the results set by the particular programme. Exceptions may be allowed on an individual basis. As Graduate Diploma programmes are usually of relatively short duration, CELC’s Diagnostic English Test and the taking of English Proficiency courses are not recommended for Graduate Diploma candidates.
TOEFL or IELTS Score Report
Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not English should submit TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language
The min TOEFL score required is as follows:
- Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 85 (with minimum of 22 for the writing section)
- Computer-based test (CBT): Minimum score of 237
A min IELTS score of 6.0 is required.
Applications
Applications to pursue the programmes must be submitted online. There is a non-refundable fees of SGD$100 (inclusive of GST) for each application. The application and fees must be respectively submitted and paid by the relevant deadlines. Refer to the application period below :
| Programmes | Intake | Application Period | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA & Grad Dip | Sem 1 | 1 November (year preceding the intake ) to 15 Jan (same year as intake) | By late May |
For more information on the application process and the supporting documents required for MA and Graduate Diploma programmes, please check here.
Fees
Fees is payable at SGD3,820 (inclusive of GST) per course for AY2024-25 irrespective of nationality. Candidates shall pay a SGD$3,900 (inclusive of GST) non-refundable deposit upon acceptance of the offer of admission. In addition, candidates are also required to pay other miscellaneous student fees as decided by the University.
* GST is charged at a prevailing rate of 9% from year 2024.
Candidature
The majority of candidates will likely be able to complete the programme in 1 or 2 semesters if they read it full-time. Those pursuing it part-time are likely to complete the programme in 2 to 6 semesters. International students on student visa must be enrolled in the programme full-time. Students residing in Singapore may enrol for part-time study.
The maximum candidature periods are as follows:
| MA (full-time) | 36 mths |
| MA (part-time) | 48 mths |
| Graduate Diploma | 36 mths |
| Graduate Certificate | 36 mths |
Continuation and Graduation Requirements
To obtain a Graduate Diploma in Asian and Global History, students must
- Pass 24 units comprising
- HY5305, and
- 5 primary field courses
- Obtain a minimum GPA of 2.75
Further Education
Grades and units earned by candidates in the Graduate Certificate programme or while reading individual graduate courses may be transferred towards fulfilling the requirements of a Graduate Diploma or MA Coursework programme, subject to approval by the Faculty.
- Each course to be transferred should have been read and completed within the last 10 years. The application for such transfers may be rejected if it is deemed that the contents of the course(s) in question are no longer relevant or not of comparable content and level. Candidates are advised to apply for the transfers within the first month of candidature.
- The average GPA of all courses allowed for grade and units transfer to a Graduate Diploma programme must be at least 2.75.
- The average GPA of all courses allowed for grade and units transfer to a MA Coursework programme must be at least 3.00.
For more information on earning the MA in Asian and Global History while holding a Graduate Diploma in Asian and Global History, click here.
For more information on earning the MA in Applied and Public History while holding a Graduate Diploma in Asian and Global History, click here.
Courses
The course descriptions can be found here, and the timetable can be found here.
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Core Course | |
| HY5305 | Approaches to World History |
| Primary Field Courses | |
| HY5210 | Approaches to Modern Southeast Asian History |
| HY5211 | Approaches to Modern East Asian History |
| HY5303 | Problems in Cultural History |
| HY5304 | Imperialism and Empires: Historical Approaches |
| HY5401 | Historiography on China |
| HY5402 | Reconsidering the Cold War |
| HY5403 | Interpreters of Southeast Asian Pasts |
| HY5412 | Studying Singaporean History |
| HY5413 | Special Topics in Asian and Global History |